As I reflect on yesterday this morning, I can’t help but think it was a game that slipped through our fingers. A game we lost rather than France won – that’s what makes it so hard to take. Three tries to one, and they still win it. We’re going to have to look at the video on our week off now and see what turnovers and penalties were in our control and what can be done to rectify them. 

The positives from the game are plentiful. Our patterns and pace really caused the French trouble; we scored three tries and nearly a fourth against them. We constantly moved them around in defence, creating space to attack. Our own defence, for the most part, didn’t allow them the room to play. Wave after wave it held firm, our shape was good, and it felt like they never really threatened. Despite this, we will have to improve further in order to kick on and enhance our game.

On a personal note it was finally great to get out and play. I’m not a great spectator of the game and to be thrown back in at the deep end in that match was a serious sink or swim situation, but one I relish. To be part of that group of players is something I love and a hard one to explain. 

The novelty of waking up today and having stud marks, scrapes and feeling some pain is actually comforting. I know it might sound weird, but I strangely quite like it. Too long sitting on the sidelines. All the bumps and bruises tell me I’m alive in a strange way. 

The week ahead sees us all returning back to our provinces for a little training before we meet up in Cork for camp at the end of the week. It’s a nice break from the squad and good to go back to our clubs and see the lads. 

With Valentine’s Day kicking off the week, I’m sure there will be a few lastminute.com buys in town today before lads leave  – except for Sean O’Brien. It’s the Tullow man’s birthday today, and he’s struggling to find a date. So if you’re available and willing, I’ll get ye in touch! 

For now it’s recovery and medical time. Let’s hope the ankle got through and that there aren’t too many battered bodies. Onwards and upwards . . .